Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21464/mo.30.2.7

Life goals and burnout in Croatian elementary school teachers: The mediating role of basic psychological needs and flow at work

Diana Olčar orcid.org/0000-0003-4690-7137 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Croatia
Majda Rijavec orcid.org/0000-0001-6361-9968 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Croatia
Silvija Rogošić orcid.org/0009-0003-6359-9372 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Croatia

Abstract

It is well known that teaching profession is one of the most stressful professions. In this study, through the lens of Self‑Determination Theory, we examined the relationship between teachers’ life goals and occupational burnout. Furthermore, it was examined if the work‑related basic psychological needs and flow serve as mediators between the previously mentioned variables. The study involved 476 primary school teachers from different parts of Croatia. Participants had an average of 17 years of work experience and were all females. The study results showed that extrinsic life goals led directly to a higher level of burnout. Intrinsic life goals led to a lower level of burnout indirectly through higher basic psychological needs satisfaction and more frequent flow experiences. The contribution of this paper lies in examining the relationship between the Self‑Determination Theory variables and the concept of flow. Also, the results can be used to change the working conditions so that they support the teachers’ well‑ being.

Keywords

basic psychological needs; flow; primary school teachers; Self‑Determination Theory; well‑being

Hrčak ID:

317462

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/317462

Publication date:

5.3.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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